A man who spiked treats with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a summer camp in the region has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys aged nine and ten years old.
The defendant was detained after eight minors and a grown-up became sick at the facility in July.
The elderly man, from Ruddington in Nottinghamshire, admitted guilt to a multiple criminal counts when he appeared at the judicial center on the end of the week.
Nevertheless, he refused to admit a single sexual charge he was charged with, which was involving a young boy.
The accused was remanded in custody before a subsequent court date on November 28th.
'Candy game'
The prosecutor, handling the case, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his those affected were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he ran.
Ruben played a "treat game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would access the children's bedrooms when they were settling down and request they to ingest treats "as fast as possible".
She told the court the man had played this game with the boys "for many years", and youngsters had previously become sick the next day.
She said the man had been capable of justifying this for many years as the youngsters being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had suspicions in summer 2025.
The legal representative stated further: "Recently" his family member had concerns about the situation, with valid cause.
"They decided to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC said items including infant oil, petroleum jelly and syringes were found, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the man proceeded to conduct the "sweet game" with six children that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Law enforcement" had not arrived by that stage," she added.
The regulatory agency, the police conduct office, previously told that it was examining Leicestershire Police's handling of the incident.
The legal representative explained the minors were having difficulty walking due to their sickness, so Ruben's stepson notified the police once more.
She explained the man then engaged in the "candy game" in a space of five children.
